Interest rates are compensation for the time-value of money, and are calculated on judgments (the amount of money one party to a lawsuit is ordered to pay another party) based on the applicable state or federal statutes. There are often different interest rates set by law for prejudgment interest (the interest on the amount owed before the judgment) and post-judgment interest (the interest on the amount owed after the judgment). The calculation of prejudgment and post-judgment interest rates vary from state to state (and in federal court), and require a careful analysis of the statutes.

In Maryland, interest rates on judgments are regulated by state law. Prejudgment interest, which is the interest accrued from the time the money is owed until a judgment is made, is not automatically awarded. It is typically at the discretion of the court and may be awarded in certain cases, such as in a breach of contract where the contract specifies an interest rate. Post-judgment interest, on the other hand, is the interest that accrues after a judgment has been entered. In Maryland, the post-judgment interest rate is set by statute and is subject to change. As of the knowledge cutoff in 2023, the legal rate of interest on a money judgment in a civil case is 6% per annum unless a different rate is expressly provided by law. It is important to consult the most current Maryland statutes or an attorney to obtain the latest information on interest rates for judgments, as these rates can be subject to legislative change.